I’d like to believe I could be the bigger person, but I wasn’t really interested in resolving the matter with Jeannie. But Lacy was so sweet and innocent, I didn’t want to burst her bubble. “We’ll see. But it’s all fine for now.”
After Daisy came in for her hug and whispered, “Don’t give in to either of them easily,” I smiled and sent them on their way.
Sighing, I plopped on the sofa with Klara.
“NowthemI like,” she said as I laid my head on her shoulder.
“They’re great. But is it terrible if I never want to see Jeannie here again?”
She smoothed my hair, then stroked my head a few times. “No. I understand where Lacy is coming from, but Daisy nailed it. She should know better. And so what if you don’t have the cut thing yet? You’re still his wife. If we were back home…”
Giggling, I said, “I would not order the woman killed.”
She shrugged. “I’m just saying, it would easily be arranged.”
A light knock at the door startled me from my spot on her shoulder. She patted my thigh and stood. “Let me.”
Looking toward the door, I waited until she said, “Oh, come on in.”
Niko stepped inside, so I stood. “Brother,” I said, crossing my arms.
He came closer and gently grabbed my shoulders, leaning down to look at me. “Katya, don’t be upset with me. You were acting very out of sorts.”
Stepping out of his grip, I rolled my eyes. “You didn’t even ask why. You immediately took his side. You said you came here to check on me but you don’t seem worried about me, just your partnership.”
“Sister, I always worry for you. But we do not air dirty laundry that way. You know better.”
Pointing at him I told him, “You and Papa sent me to this place. With these men. They may have many similarities to our family, but they also have many differences. And I will not be made to look a fool for all to see. If anything, I regret not doing more.” I did the right thing in my heart, but it would have been a sign to anyone who could see or hear about it later that I would not tolerate what Jeannie did.
Niko sighed heavily. “I see. My apologies, then.” He held his arms out. “Will you forgive me, sister?”
My eyes darted to Klara. She shrugged with a grin. Rolling my eyes, I stepped into his embrace.
“I will speak to Hawk tomorrow. Make sure he understands I still have a duty to you.”
Pulling away, I patted his chest. “That is not necessary. But if you fail to tell Papa what happened I would appreciate it.”
“Your secret is safe with me. Although Papa would probably be proud.” Looking over his shoulder, he asked, “Would you like me to escort you back, Klara?”
With all the commotion and company, I hadn’t had a chance to speak to her about Niko yet. But surely he would do no more here than make sure she got to her room securely.
“That would be great,” Klara said. “Give me just a second, please.”
Niko pulled me back in for another hug. “Goodnight. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He walked toward the door. “I’ll wait outside, Klara. Please take your time.”
She came to stand where he just was. “You going to be alright?”
Nodding, I wrapped my arms around myself. “Yes. Of course.”
“I know you’re tough, but it’s okay to be upset.”
“I know. I’m still mad at him. And still aggravated that I let her get to me.”
“At least you know more about the whole vest thing.”
“Cut,” I corrected. “And patch.”
“Right. But, you just got married. It’s not like you love each other, and the patch seems to be some very important symbol.”
